Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle lies south of Kanazawa and is famous in Japan for being one of only about 12 original wooden castles from the Shogun era still standing, and one of 4 listed as a national treasure. They're all about 400 years old, dating from the early 17th century. Like all Japanese castles and those in other places, they occupy prominent high ground and were defensive constructions. However, unlike their European equivalents, they were not homes to live in but rather emergency accommodation when things turn pear-shaped politically. The person who constructed Hikone's castle was Li Naokatsu and apparently it was completed in 1622. Despite its purpose, it was never used as a refuge and the ruling family lived in a nearby palace which we didn't see.

Hill-top position.

Outer entrance surrounded by a moat and perched on high walls.

Central wooden keep, with this author standing in front.

Cooling off on a very hot day in a masting machine.

The keep is wooden, but moreover the entire construction is made without any nails or glue. All the pieces fit together a bit like Lego blocks.

The upper floors, which were increasingly small in area, were packed with visitors and to get to the top we had to ascend 3 stair-cases which had very high treads and rose almost vertically. That alone might have deterred attackers.

Outside there was a bell which sounded several times a day at appointed hours by someone crashing a large log against it as shown in this picture. The sound was quite impressive.

And so to Kyoto, which I've barely had the chance to see in daylight. One final point. At today's opening ceremony for the next conference I'm attending all the audience had to pass through airport-style scanners ... except for me on account of my defibrillator. I've attended any meeting where that has happened before. The reason for the security was soon revealed! The conference was opened by Crown Prince Naruhito, heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne and his wife, Princess Masako. It was similar I suppose to Charles and Camilla turning up to open a conference in Britain. The ceremony was topped off with a brilliant display of Japanese drumming by a leading team of high school students. And to add to a hard day's eating, writing and listening which started at 5.30 am and is just finishing now at 9.30 pm, I presented my conference paper amidst great interest! I now only have to chair two conference sessions over the next two days!